Appendix K. 
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generate neuronal cells, adipocytes, and odontoblasts, and after 
injection into immunodeficient mice, the cells were indicated in 
formation of bone, dentin, and neural cells. 
ADIPOSE (FAT) DERIVED STEM CELLS 
One of the more interesting sources identified for human 
stem cells has been adipose (fat) tissue, in particular liposuctioned 
fat. While there is some debate as to whether the cells originate in 
the fat tissue or are perhaps mesenchymal or peripheral blood stem 
cells passing through the fat tissue, they represent a readily- 
available source for isolation of potentially useful stem cells. The 
cells can be maintained for extended periods of time in culture, have 
a mesenchymal-like morphology, and can be induced in vitro to form 
adipose, cartilage, muscle, and bone tissue. The cells have also 
shown the capability of differentiation into neuronal cells. 
UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD 
Use of umbilical cord stem cells has seen increasing interest, 
as the cells have been recognized as a useful source for 
hematopoietic transplants similar to bone marrow stem cell 
transplants, including for treatment of sickle cell anemia. Cord 
blood shows decreased graft-versus-host reaction compared to bone 
marrow, perhaps due to high interleukin- 10 levels produced by the 
cells. Another possibility for the decreased rejection seen with 
cord blood stem cell transplants is decreased expression of the beta- 
2-microglobuhn on human cord blood stem cells. Cord blood can 
be cryopreserved for over 15 years and retain significant functional 
potency.^®® Cord blood stem cells also show similarities with bone 
marrow stem cells in terms of their potential to differentiate into 
other tissue types. Human cord blood stem cells have shown 
expression of neural markers in vitro , and intravenous 
administration of cord blood to animal models of stroke has produced 
functional recovery in the animals. Infusion of human cord blood 
stem cells has also produced therapeutic benefit in rats with spinal 
cord injury, and in a mouse model of ALS.^^^ A recent report noted 
establishment of a neural stem/progenitor cell line derived from 
human cord blood that has been maintained in culture over two 
years without loss of differentiation ability.^^ Several reports also 
note the production of functional liver cells from human cord blood 
stem cells. Additional differentiative properties of human umbilical 
cord blood stem cells are likely to be discovered as more 
investigation proceeds on this source of stem cells. 
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